Meet Shalini Kodial, CPA, CEO of SHALINI KODIAL CPA PLLC.
Shalini Kodial
CEO | SHALINI KODIAL CPA PLLC
Licensed in: 2023
Attended: Western Governors University
What CPA stereotype do you embody?
The Detail-Obsessed Perfectionist, The Tech-Savvy Modern CPA, The Client Educator, The Strategic Advisor.
What CPA stereotype do you defy?
ICPAs are boring number crunchers, CPAs don’t understand business beyond the tax code.
Why did you choose to become a CPA?
I chose to become a CPA because I wanted to do more than just balance books or prepare tax returns—I wanted to be a trusted advisor who helps people make better financial decisions. From an early age, I was drawn to business and finance, and as I pursued my education across India, New Zealand, and the United States, I realized that accounting is really the foundation of every successful business. Becoming a CPA gave me the opportunity to combine my love for numbers with my passion for helping others. It allows me to translate complex tax laws and financials into clear strategies that empower my clients. For me, being a CPA isn’t about the stereotype of crunching numbers—it’s about building trust, solving problems, and guiding businesses and individuals to thrive.
What's Your CPA "superpower"?
My CPA superpower is translating complex tax and compliance issues into simple, strategic solutions that empower my clients to make confident decisions.
What's something that you've done that has nothing to do with accounting but you're really proud of?
I moved across continents for my education and career—studying in India, New Zealand and the U.S. before settling in Texas. Building a life and business from scratch in a new country is something I’m really proud of.
What advice would you give to your younger self before taking the CPA exam?
Don’t doubt yourself just because you’re navigating a new system in a new country. Your global education and resilience are strengths—trust them, and the exam will just be one more milestone you’ll conquer.
Finish this sentence: "You know you're a CPA when ..."
You know you’re a CPA when you can turn IRS compliance into strategy—and actually make clients feel excited about taxes.
